MEDICAL TECHNOLOGIST

Medical Technologist

Overview: Headquartered in Knoxville, Covenant Health is a community-owned integrated healthcare delivery system and the area's largest employer. Parkwest is Covenant Health's and West Knoxville's premier medical facility and a top-performing heart hospital, offering our patients world-class treatment with all the convenience and warmth of home. In addition to providing the area's leading cardiac services, Parkwest has been nationally recognized for award-winning care throughout our facility. For 2020-21, Parkwest received recognition from U.S. News & World Report as one of the "Top 10" hospitals in Tennessee. Knoxville located in East Tennessee is the third largest in the state, well-known for its proximity to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and is the home of the University of Tennessee. Go Vols! Living in Knoxville means experiencing all four seasons. Best of all, each of them is pretty mild! Combine all that with the abundant natural beauty of the surrounding mountains, and you have a city that truly offers something for everyone. Knoxville has a vibrant arts culture, seasonal festivals, top-notch foodie and incredible outdoor recreation. It's a perfect blend of big-city amenities and Southern charm.

General Laboratory: Parkwest Medical Center Laboratory mission is to provide accurate test results for all customers in a minimum amount of time while maintaining safe practices. We operate 24 hours a day, 7 days per week with a procedure volume of greater than 800,000 tests annually. Parkwest laboratory services include: immunohematology, routine and special chemistry, therapeutic drug testing, drugs-of abuse testing, serology, coagulation, hematology, urinalysis, microbiology, parasitology, mycobacterium and molecular testing. Pathology services are provided by contract. Laboratory staffing is comprised of the following: Laboratory Assistants, Technical Specialists, Medical Technologist/Technicians, Point of Care Coordinator, Supervisor of Support Services, and Pathologist. The laboratory is located on the 1st floor of the Montvue Building and connected to all nursing units and ancillary departments via pneumatic tube system. Our outpatient phlebotomy station is located in the main lobby of the Riverstone tower in the Outpatient Center.

Position Summary

The Medical Technologist performs high complexity, routine and specialized clinical Lab tests for use in diagnosis and treatment of patients by physicians. The Medical Technologist is expected to use independent judgment to give the physician information to diagnose and treat illness. In addition, the MT is expected to consult with the physician about test results as needed.

Responsibilities

- Perform high complexity tests as appropriate for testing department and shift. - Follow the Laboratory's procedures for specimen handling and processing, test analysis, reporting and maintaining records of patient results. - Document all corrective actions taken when the test process deviates from the Laboratory's established performance specifications. Does not report patient results until all corrective action has been taken and test is performing as expected. - Perform proficiency testing samples and maintain records that demonstrate that proficiency-testing samples are tested in same manner as patient samples. - Adhere to Laboratory's quality control policies; document all control activities, instrument and procedural calibrations and maintenance performed. Perform all quality control as outlined in the procedural manuals. Notify the Technical Specialist, Laboratory Manager, Charge Tech or Pathologist of out-of-control situations if problem cannot be resolved. - Identify problems that may adversely affect test performance or reporting of test results; either correct the problem or notify the Technical Specialist or Laboratory Manager if the problem cannot be resolved. - Assist in orientation, instruction and evaluation of students and new employees to the department. - Prepare various reagents and supplies according to precise formulas as needed. - Utilize the LIS in patient accessioning and resulting; monitor incomplete and collection lists. - Operate, maintain and troubleshoot Laboratory equipment and instruments, as specified. - Check Communication boards at least weekly. - Plan work to insure maximum productivity with minimum amount of 'carry over' work, while keeping overtime to a minimum. Responsible for communicating to the next shift and other appropriate staff needed information about patient samples or instrument performance. - Act as resource person for phlebotomy, if trained appropriately, including outpatients. - Review abnormal patient reports daily; normal reports weekly. - Maintain and disinfect work area. - Assist with coverage of the pneumatic tube system, processing and distributing specimens. - Handle biohazard wastes according to policy. - Assist in evaluation and validation of testing systems. - Perform any job-related duties assigned - Follows policies, procedures, and safety standards. Completes required education assignments annually. Works toward achieving goals and objectives, and participates in quality improvement initiatives as requested.

Qualifications

Minimum Education: None specified; however, must be sufficient to meet the standards for achievement of the below indicated license and/or certification as required by the issuing authority. Minimum Experience: None. Licensure Requirement: Current Tennessee State License as a Medical Technologist.